Effective Natural Remedies to Relieve Catarrh Symptoms

| Modified on Aug 26, 2024
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Apple Cider Vinegar.

Catarrh is a condition characterized by the excessive production of mucus in the nasal passages and throat, leading to symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by infections, allergies, or irritants, and can be both uncomfortable and persistent. While catarrh often resolves on its own, natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms, promote respiratory health, and speed up recovery.

Understanding Catarrh

Catarrh occurs when the mucous membranes in the airways become inflamed, resulting in an overproduction of mucus. This mucus can accumulate in the nose, throat, or chest, leading to symptoms such as a runny nose, postnasal drip, sore throat, and persistent coughing. Common causes of catarrh include viral infections like the common cold, sinus infections, allergies, and exposure to irritants like smoke or pollution.

Natural Remedies to Relieve Catarrh

Here are some natural remedies that can help reduce mucus production, ease congestion, and promote respiratory health:

Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation is a simple yet effective remedy for clearing mucus and relieving congestion. Inhaling steam helps to loosen mucus, making it easier to expel. To try steam inhalation, boil a pot of water, remove it from the heat, and lean over the pot with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam. Breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil can enhance the decongestant effect.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can help soothe the respiratory system and reduce mucus production. Some of the most effective herbs for catarrh include:

  • Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can help reduce mucus and soothe the throat. Drink ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water.
  • Thyme: Thyme is an excellent herb for respiratory health, with antimicrobial properties that help fight infections. Thyme tea can help clear mucus and ease coughing.
  • Peppermint: Peppermint contains menthol, which has a cooling effect and helps break down mucus. Peppermint tea can provide relief from congestion and soothe the throat.

Saltwater Gargle

A saltwater gargle can help reduce throat irritation and clear mucus from the throat. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat several times a day to help soothe the throat and reduce mucus buildup.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy for catarrh due to its ability to balance the body’s pH and reduce mucus production. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it once or twice daily. You can also add a teaspoon of honey for added benefits and improved taste.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and decrease mucus production. Add turmeric to your diet by mixing it into warm milk or water, or take it as a supplement. A common remedy is “golden milk,” made by combining turmeric with warm milk, honey, and a pinch of black pepper to enhance absorption.

Dietary Adjustments

Diet plays a significant role in managing catarrh. Certain foods can help reduce mucus production, while others may exacerbate it. Consider the following dietary adjustments:

  • Increase Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel. Aim to drink water, herbal teas, and broths throughout the day.
  • Avoid Dairy: Dairy products can increase mucus production in some people. If you notice that dairy worsens your symptoms, consider reducing or eliminating it from your diet while you have catarrh.
  • Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporate foods like garlic, onions, ginger, and leafy greens, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can support immune function.

Preventing Catarrh

Preventing catarrh involves managing the underlying causes and maintaining good respiratory health. Here are some tips to prevent recurring catarrh:

  • Manage Allergies: If allergies trigger your catarrh, work with your healthcare provider to manage symptoms with antihistamines or natural remedies like quercetin and nettle.
  • Avoid Irritants: Reduce exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollution, and strong chemicals that can inflame the respiratory tract.
  • Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially during cold and flu season, to reduce the risk of infections that can lead to catarrh.
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports overall immune health and helps prevent infections that could lead to catarrh.

When to See a Doctor

While catarrh is usually a minor condition, it’s important to seek medical advice if your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, worsen, or are accompanied by severe symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. These could be signs of a more serious condition requiring medical treatment.

Final Thoughts

Catarrh can be an uncomfortable and persistent condition, but natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster recovery. By incorporating steam inhalation, herbal teas, dietary adjustments, and other natural treatments, you can reduce mucus production, ease congestion, and support your respiratory health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Have you tried natural remedies for catarrh? Share your experiences and tips! Continue reading below for advice from Earth Clinic readers who have successfully managed catarrh using natural treatments.


Alkalize With Baking Soda

1 User Review
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Posted by Jan (Australia) on 05/21/2020
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I accidentally cured my Catarrh which I had had from childhood.

I am now 75 and it happened 5 years ago. I had a very bad UTI and nothing fixed it until I read to take Bicarbonate of Soda. I took 1/2 teaspoon 3 times a day for 2 days and that fixed the UTI but 2 weeks later I felt the mucus moving from the back of my throat. Since then I have had no more problems but I think the Bicarbonate of Soda fixed the PH of the body and this is why it has gone the body fixed itself as the PH of my body is not sitting on 7. I don't recommend taking that much Bi Carb at once, but if you can get your pH to 7 the body should fix itself.

>
Replied by john
(london)
08/26/2024

Hi,

In how much water did you mix the 1/2 teaspoon of sodium-bicarbonate?

When did you drink your doses? First thing in the morning, 1 hour before lunch on empty stomach and before sleep?

Thank you


Apple Cider Vinegar

2 User Reviews
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  100%

Posted by Caroline (Hertfordshire, Uk) on 02/28/2015
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar for Catarrh

Apple Cider Vinegar in water works a treat! I was feeling so yuck for about 6-7 months with no relief and only given chemical nasal sprays by my GP, I saw this advice and took it, coupled with a sea water nasal spray. This remedy is great. I am still a bit icky at times so am going to try the Turmeric.

>
Replied by Shannon
(Forster, Nsw)
01/19/2016

How much apple cider vinegar do you use and do you drink it or use it in the nasal spray?

>
Replied by Caroline
(Stevenage)
02/05/2016
★★★★★

Use 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of water, about 80ml and drink it. No need to buy expensive stuff, Asda & Morrisons' both do one in a plastic bottler for under £1!


Apple Cider Vinegar, Turmeric, Vitamin C

1 User Review
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Posted by Brian (Vancouver) on 09/22/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

For catarrh, I take 2 tablespoons of organic Apple Cider vinegar, get the unfiltered vinegar, the Mother as they call it, add 1 tsp of tumeric powder and 6-8 ounces of water and drink it fast with a 500mg vitamin C tablet and you are good to go, it tastes not bad and is easy to drink first thing in the morning


Disodium EDTA, BHT, Vitamin C

1 User Review
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Posted by Laverne (USA) on 07/18/2007

Hi Ted. I have been given this very useful website address and have found it most informative. I do need a little more help though as I am unable to find what I am looking for. I appear to have a problem with catarrh. This is not a cold as such but is basically a very persistent intermittent runny nose. I have to blow or wipe my nose several times a day, especially when eating or sometimes nervous. I very rarely get colds or flu so I am not sure how to treat this. It is very annoying and I would love to fine the right treatment to put an end to this for ever. I look forward to receiving some very useful advise on remedies.

>
Replied by Ted
(Bangkok, Thailand)
392 posts
★★★★★

Laverne: A catarrh or persistent runny nose in my experience is a long term vitamin C deficiency, excess acidosis, and rancidity of fats in the body. My own remedy (recently revised) is A SINGLE DOSE (or taken only two days) disodium EDTA 50-100 mg with plenty of water) and BHT 250 mg.

Then vitamin C sodium ascorbate or rose hips is taken over a month, plus some vitamin A taken once a week over a month. A one tablespoon granulated lecithin is taken for only a week. Vitamin B complex taken only once a week for only a month.

The catarrh should go away within a month or two. Actually the fastest I have seen is only or two days, despite years of the condition.


Molasses and Gin

1 User Review
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Posted by Annette Manders (Waco, Tx) on 06/04/2017
★★★★★

Molasses and gin for excessive mucous

I came across a reference to these two ingredients as a cure for catarrh. (from the late 1800's). Ever heard of this?


Sea Salt

1 User Review
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Posted by Jackie (London, Uk) on 03/15/2014

Hi Ted,

Do you have an updated treatment for Chronic Runny Nose/ Catarhh. I suffer from a runny nose all year round and its worse in the winter when its very cold.

>
Replied by Ted
(Bangkok, Thailand)
03/16/2014
392 posts
★★★★★

Chronic Runny Nose

A quick way is sea salt. Half teaspoon sea salt in cup of water. It should work in ten minutes. The cause I found is lack of microcirculation to the nose caused by clogging of blood vessel from chocolate, ice cream, cheese, and fatty liver from excess fruit and alcohol intake. In some case there is atherosclerosis and to stop this I used EDTA and Vitamin C. I have updated the remedy to include vitamin k to prevent calcification of arteries. Brewers yeast or beta glucan may help reduce it too by helping immune system. Thiamine hydrochloride or bentothiamine also helps, about 1200 mg per day. If water soluble form best taken 300 mg at four times a day.

The cause of catarrh I found is long term b6 deficiency most often seen and as a result constipation and indigestion such as bloating sets in. The fungus and bacteria accumulates causing catarrh.

Try this first there is a lot more remedy for this but time is lacking. Ted



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